‘The Voice’ Finalists DEK of Hearts to Headline Sweet Tea Festival

McKENZIE — The City of McKenzie recently announced headlining entertainers for the 2026 Sweet Tea Festival to be held downtown August 20-23, including DEK of Hearts, Vonda Peet & Company and the Bethel University Renaissance Bluegrass Band.

After welcoming an estimated 4,000 attendees last year, the Sweet Tea Festival continues to grow as one of McKenzie’s signature community events. This year’s festival features a full weekend of community activities, arts and crafts vendors, live music and family-friendly entertainment, with additional events to be announced at a later date.

The festival begins Thursday, August 20, with Carroll Arts presenting A Southern Fried Funeral at 7 p.m. in the Park Theatre, offering an entertaining kickoff to the weekend celebration. An encore performance is Sunday, August 23 at 2 p.m.

Arts and crafts vendors will be open Friday, August 21, from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, August 22, from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., giving festivalgoers the opportunity to shop from local and regional makers, artisans and small businesses. Live music is also on Saturday.

Headliner DEK of Hearts is a Nashville-based country-pop trio who finished in third place on last year’s Season 28 of NBC’s The Voice. Members of the group are Dylan John, Emily Clapp and Kollin Bailey.

Vonda Peet & Company are a Jackson-based group who perform R&B, soul and pop music.

The Bethel University Renaissance Bluegrass Band is an award-winning group consisting of Mary Parker, Gordon Parker, Koltyn West and Paul Grace.

“The Sweet Tea Festival continues to be a special opportunity to bring people together in McKenzie,” said McKenzie Mayor Ryan Griffin. “From live music and local vendors to the arts and community fellowship, this event celebrates the spirit of our city and the people who make it special.”

Additional festival details, including more events and activities, will be announced soon. Vendor applications and more information are available at mckenzietn.org/residents/events/sweet-tea-festival/.

For more information, follow the City of McKenzie and Sweet Tea Festival updates online.